Three places to take kids with cabin fever

After three snow days, parents and kids may both be at the breaking point. Schools are closed, as are most kid-friendly venues like Seattle Aquarium and the Woodland Park Zoo (see a list of closures here), but there are still a few places open where you can take the wild ones for an outing.

Note: Road conditions are bad, and it may be safest to stay home. But if you’re feeling like anything is better than another game of Epic Mickey on the Wii, load a backpack with warm clothes, snacks and water, and head out on public transportation to one of these spots below. (Or suggest your own to other readers via the comments thread.)

At the University Book Store, you can lounge in a bright, warm kids’ area surrounded by books. The Seattle store is planning to stay open till 4 p.m. (4326 University Way N.E., 206-634-3400) and the Bellevue store, till 7 p.m. (990 102nd Ave. N.E., 425.462.4500). However that may change, so be sure to call or check the website before heading out.

The documentary film “Cave of Forgotten Dreams” plays in 3D at SIFF Cinema at the Uptown this evening. It’s not exactly a “kids movie,” but older elementary schoolers interested in science and prehistory will find it interesting — and parents won’t be bored either. Consider a snowy walk across the Seattle Center campus, a cheap dinner at Dick’s (500 Queen Anne Ave. N.) and then the movie. SIFF Cinema at the Uptown is located across the street from Dick’s at 511 Queen Anne Ave. N., and ticket info is here. (Note: The monorail is not running, so buses are a better bet.)

The REI flagship store, downtown at 222 Yale Ave. N., is open today. Kids love climbing around on the indoor play equipment and you can get an inexpensive meal at World Wrapps.

If we get more suggestions from readers, we’ll update this post later today.

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